Living kidney recipients mark 60th anniversary of first living kidney donation in UK
People saved by living kidney transplantation have given thanks to their donors and the NHS on the 60th anniversary of the first living kidney donation in the UK.
Article Source: Organ Donation Scotland
First Published: 29 October 2020 11:41
Updated: 29 October 2020 11:41
LIVING KIDNEY RECIPIENTS MARK 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIFE-SAVING SURGERY
1,500 people in Scotland have donated since first surgery in Edinburgh in 1960
People saved by living kidney transplantation have today (30 October 2020) given thanks to their donors and the NHS on the 60th anniversary of the first living kidney donation in the UK.
The pioneering surgery, which involved twin brothers from Leith, was performed at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on 30 October 1960 by Sir Michael Woodruff and his team.
Since then, over 1,500 people in Scotland have helped others by donating a kidney.
Patricia Hourd, 63, from Perthshire who received a kidney from mum Sally Mearns 18 years ago, today led the tributes, thanking her mother and the nurses, doctors and surgeons for transforming her life and giving her years of good health.
Sally, who donated aged 71 and is now 90, put herself forward for testing as a potential donor after Patricia was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2002 and had to start dialysis, after her kidneys started to fail.
A kidney from a living donor generally offers the best outcomes for patients living with kidney failure who need a transplant, and those on the waiting list are encouraged to consider living donation as an option for this reason.
A healthy person can live a completely normal life with one working kidney, and people can donate to a loved one in need or can donate altruistically to a stranger on the waiting list who is a match.
Minister for Public Health Joe FitzPatrick said: “Today is a significant milestone in the history of transplantation. Living kidney donation has come a long way from that first surgery in October 1960, with 100 such operations currently performed in Scotland each year with a very high success rate.
“The programme will remain an important part of increasing donation and transplantation rates when opt out legislation is introduced next March.
“The generosity of donors, coupled with the care and dedication of those in the NHS who facilitate each stage of the process, has resulted in many lives being saved and transformed and I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved.”
Mr Gabriel Oniscu, consultant transplant surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and Director of the Edinburgh Transplant Centre said: "There have been many significant advancements in the 60 years since that first pioneering surgery which have completely changed the outcomes for patients living with kidney failure. Keyhole surgery for the donor operation and the kidney sharing schemes have certainly revolutionised living donation.
“The difference living donation makes to someone living with end stage kidney failure cannot be underestimated. The most rewarding part of my role is without a doubt seeing a donor and recipient recovering following surgery. Being able to facilitate that transformation is an immense privilege.”
To find out more about living donation, visit https://www.organdonationscotland.org/tell-me-about-living-donation
Image: Sally and Patricia
Latest Renfrewshire News
Top award for artistic young people
A group of young people who produce their own artistic shows and events have won a top national award!
Work set to begin on new cycle route between Bridge of Weir and Houston
Cyclists will soon have a safe, dedicated way to travel from Bridge of Weir to Houston as work on a new cycle route gets set to begin.
Kevin Quantum, Flaming Canonballs at Edinburgh Castle stunt
At 1pm today (Thursday 29th April), the global premiere of a daring stunt at Edinburgh Castle by scientist and magician Kevin Quantum was unveiled on YouTube.
Help save your local charity shop
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland's much-loved stores are urgently appealing to people in the local community to volunteer their time and help keep the store running.
What a BREWtiful sight: Aldi unveils line up for Spring Scottish Beer Festival
Aldi has revealed the line-up for its annual Scottish beer festival, which will showcase 30 exceptional craft beers from thirteen breweries across the country, with prices starting at just £1.39!
Does your property have what it takes to be Home of the Year
Scotland is full of beautiful, surprising and absolutely unique homes... but do they have what it takes to be Home of the Year?
Dobbies hosts great pizza virtual event with Ooni Pizza Ovens
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced a free, exclusive virtual event with Ooni Pizza Ovens, to share top tips on making great pizza with keen cooks across the UK.
The Malt Whisky Trail prepares warm welcome for UK whisky lovers
The Malt Whisky Trail prepares for the welcome return of whisky lovers from across the UK with the easing of travel restrictions across Scotland.
Scottish Opera celebrates 50 years of pioneering Outreach and Education work
To celebrate the 50th anniversary year of its Outreach and Education programme, Scottish Opera announces new projects to connect with communities across Scotland!
XSite Braehead reveals plans for the ease of lockdown
Popular leisure destination, XSite Braehead, is opening its doors and welcoming back customers following the recent Government announcement that Scotland is to move to Level three on 26th April.
Edinburgh Castle hosts world premiere of spectacular stunt by scientist and magician Kevin Quantum
Thousands around the world expected to gather online on 29th April at 1pm to watch internationally acclaimed performer attempt daring stunt at Edinburgh Castle.
Revolutionary free online learning tool for Scottish pupils unveiled
A digital learning platform, designed to support all teenage pupils across Scotland with their education launched on Wednesday 21 April.
The World Pipe Band Championships 2021, due to take place at Glasgow Green in August has been cancelled
The event, which would normally attract around 200 bands from around the world to compete, is expected to return to Glasgow in 2022.
Limited season passes available for theme park!
With restrictions starting to ease and more activities reopening, now is the perfect time to purchase a Season Pass for M&D’s Scotland's Theme Park!
Enjoy a holiday steeped in history at Rowallan Castle
For anyone looking for a holiday steeped in history then look no further than Old Rowallan Castle in Ayrshire.
Tickets now on sale for some of the top visitor attractions in Scotland
Scotland’s most famous historic heritage sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle, are getting set to lower their drawbridges!
The Big Lunch is back!
The Big Lunch returns from 5th June, encouraging communities to come together to support each other after a challenging year.
Scottish Ballet announces two new dance films, created in collaboration with people living with neurological conditions
Scottish Ballet has unveiled two new dance films created in collaboration with people living with Parkinson's, MS and dementia, as part of their creative engagement project Haud Close.
Families encouraged to step in the right direction this spring
Scottish walking charity, Paths For All, shares ten ways to add fun activities to the familiar family stroll!
Dobbies launch new award to find best young gardeners in UK
Dobbies has announced the launch of its first-ever ‘Not Your Average Gardener’ awards, to find the UK’s best and most dedicated gardeners, including children and young people.
Designer Dr Pam Hogg leads the call to ShowUsYourPaisley for 150th anniversary of Paisley Museum
Fashion designer Pam Hogg is leading a call-out for Paisley-patterned items the public have at home - from clothing to cookware - to mark the 150th anniversary of Paisley Museum.
Scottish Opera reveals a programme of filmed and outdoor performances
Scottish Opera have announced two new films, premiering this spring, along with plans for over 200 outdoor performances this summer!
Aldi and Williams Bros call on Scots beer lovers to help name new brew
Aldi has teamed up with long-term supplier Williams Bros to give customers the chance to name a brand-new beer which will be sold in stores across the country!
Jumping for joy as Cardwell Garden Centre reopens
Louise Harris jumps for joy after visiting Cardwell Garden Centre when it re-opened after lockdown yesterday!
Booker Prize winner joins call for Your Stories
Booker Prize winner and Glasgow born author Douglas Stuart has joined forces with national charity Scottish Book Trust to encourage people of Scotland to submit their real-life stories.
Dobbies reopens stores across Scotland
Following updated guidance from the Scottish Government that garden centres may open, the UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, has today reopened stores across Scotland.
The search is on to find the best gardeners in Glasgow
With the reopening of garden centres, the Incorporation of Gardeners of Glasgow are encouraging the public to take up gardening and have launched 'Let Glasgow Flourish' Gardening Awards 2021!
Family fun with online Easter EGGStravaganza
Families can enjoy an eggs-travaganza of fun events and activities during the Easter break from the comfort of their own home!
All aboard for special Skerryvore livestream from exclusive floating hotel Fingal
Multi-award-winning band Skerryvore have announced a special livestream show to be broadcast from Edinburgh’s exclusive floating hotel, Fingal on Saturday 24th April!
Community halls across Renfrewshire set for refurbishment
Three popular community halls across Renfrewshire are set for full refurbishments after councillors approved awarding the £1.6million works contract to City Gate Construction.
Sponsored Links
